Date of Conferral

4-24-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Kimberley Blackmon

Abstract

Scholars have widely examined how electoral pressures influence the behavior of judges and prosecutors; however, less attention has been given to how elections affect law enforcement leaders. This quantitative study examined whether sheriff election cycles in Louisiana were associated with changes in law enforcement behavior. Louisiana parish sheriffs occupy a unique role as both elected officials and chief law enforcement executives, which may create incentives that influence enforcement priorities. Using secondary arrest data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reporting program, this study analyzed parish-level arrest patterns from 2009 through 2019 to determine whether deputies’ arrest behavior differed during election years compared to non-election years. The analysis focused on variations in enforcement across offense categories to assess whether patterns shifted as incumbent sheriffs approached reelection. The findings contribute to the criminal justice literature by providing empirical insight into the relationship between electoral incentives and local policing behavior. Understanding whether enforcement practices vary across election cycles is important for promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in law enforcement leadership. The results of this study may inform policymakers, scholars, and community stakeholders seeking to strengthen ethical governance and reinforce legitimacy within policing institutions. Finally, the positive social impact of this study will provide objective evidence of stability in law enforcement as it relates to Louisiana Sheriffs in an election cycle. This indication of consistency and transparency will act as an added pillar for trust and non-bias law enforcement efforts.

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